Mason "Helping" with Household Chores

Mason really, really, REALLY likes to 'help' us with chores. I don't discourage it because Dr. Montessori recommends that children learn how to do chores. In fact, she says, they have a 'psychic' need to fulfill their own development to learn how to do chores and that by 'helping' out - no matter how much it slows the parents or caregivers down, it really does help the child feel a part of the family and household.

So here is Mason 'helping' to sort the laundry the beginning of May. I actually do let him help me load the clothes into the washer and push the detergent tray in and press the start button on the washer. Then he will sometimes help me transfer the clothes from the washer to the dryer and start the dryer. I get after him when he tries to start EITHER machine when we aren't doing laundry and especially when I'm not in the room with him.

And although I'm sure that some will think I am a reckless mother for letting my son stand on the stool by the sink.... well, I don't really care what you think. He likes to 'help' wash dishes and I don't really have room or money to create a small sink area for him to wash his own dishes in. Anyway, here he is on the 3rd of July - so about 2 months after the laundry fiasco.

And no soap, just water and a wet washcloth - which he then stuck in his mouth and sucked on. For the last few months, Mason has really liked sucking water out of wet washcloths. I totally understand that fascination, I remember liking to do the same thing when I was ten. Yes, I know I'm weird, but I will be the first to admit it!!!!